At the Moray Game Jam we saw the benefits of playtesting a game that’s in development. Not only do you get to see the game come alive (which can buoy you up and be entertaining to boot), but it can give you invaluable insight into how to improve the game. We’re in the fortunate position that we’re members of a local games group so *fingers crossed* we’ll have more opportunities to playtest future versions of our game.

Here’s what we’ve learned about playtesting so far:

Playtesting Tip #1

Whatever information you verbally explain to new players before you start a game, should be in the rules. It’s a no brainer really, but we forgot to do it. Oops!

Playtesting Tip #2

Situations will arise in playtesting that you hadn’t foreseen. Game mechanisms may interact in unusual ways, or ‘desire lines’ may become apparent (that is, players’ natural ways of doing things). Make a quick note of them during play and address them afterwards. You may need to clarify or adjust a rule or possibly even include or drop a sub-game.

Playtesting Tip #3

It is highly likely that blind playtest groups (that is those folks who are learning how to play the game by themselves) will interpret your rules literally. So don’t waste everybody’s time! Read your rules as literally as you can first. Make the instructions as clear as possible so that there is no room for misinterpretation before you hand them out.

Playtesting Tip #4

Keep some kind of record of playtest data (duration, player count, feedback etc). Be prepared for negative feedback and try not to take it personally. Your mission is to gather data, not trying to convert people to your way of thinking. Discuss any feedback with your fellow game designers later.

Happy playtesting!